Abilities First

Disability Pride Month is a celebration of how far we’ve come, and a reminder of the people whose courage made that progress possible.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act was passed in 1973, becoming the first federal civil rights law to prohibit disability discrimination in programs receiving federal funding.

But for years, the regulations needed to enforce it remained unsigned.

The law existed.

The protection did not.

In 1977, disabled activists peacefully occupied federal buildings across the country, demanding action. In San Francisco, advocates remained for 25 days, demonstrating extraordinary determination and resilience. Their efforts, supported by labor organizations, faith communities, and civil rights advocates, helped secure the signing of the Section 504 regulations.

That victory transformed a promise into enforceable protection and helped pave the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act.

We remember the laws, but we must also remember the people who refused to let those laws remain empty promises.

We are also grateful to Missouri Attorney General Catherine L. Hanaway for withdrawing Missouri from the Texas v. Kennedy litigation involving Section 504. Thank you for listening, acting, and helping preserve these important civil rights protections for people with disabilities.

Progress should be celebrated.

It must also be protected.

Art Academy offers more than 50 classes designed to help participants build skills, explore interests and stay connected.

Upcoming classes at the Northview Center include Chair Exercises, Simple Meals and Online Safety. Each six-week session gives participants the opportunity to learn in a welcoming, supportive environment while practicing skills they can use in everyday life.

Classes are held from 12:30–1:30 p.m. at the Northview Center, 305 E. Talmage St. in Springfield.

Contact Art Academy to ask about availability and registration:

📞 417-886-0404, ext. 3
📧 [email protected]

Scholarships are available!

Join Abilities First for an upcoming DD Health Home virtual education session focused on trauma-informed care.

Trauma-Informed Care Overview Presented by Eva Ragon, LCSW
Thursday, July 23
4 p.m.
*Hosted online through Microsoft Teams*

This session will provide an overview of trauma-informed care and how understanding the effects of trauma can help professionals provide thoughtful, responsive support.

Registration is available HERE:
873417ff-a907-4beb-b6d1-b62523e656b5@7e5eaf72-8aa5-4632-8a5b-708da2d9887c" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/873417ff-a907-4beb-b6d1-b62523e656b5@7e5eaf72-8aa5-4632-8a5b-708da2d9887c

Unable to attend live? Register or contact us at [email protected], and we can send you a link to the recording after the session.